Thanks for all of the tips. My wife and I just came back from Le Mendinque, 6600 Woodland. The food was good and close to what I remember from ten years ago. I had some atcheki (a form of shredded, prepared cassava) that was very good. The people are friendly and due to few workers and an apparently thriving take out business service to start was slow but once we ordered the food came out quickly. My wife had dibi, and we both had servings of the ginger drink (also very good). On the whole I would recommend as authentic. The menu changes daily.

My wife and I will be visiting family and friends in DC and Baltimore in early April and I am wondering if there are any places to find decent West African dishes. I lived there years ago with the Peace Corps and would like to introduce my wife to Yassa Poulet ( Senegalese) or a good peanut sauce (Mafi Tiga from Guinea). We live in Philly and so far all I have found has been some Ethiopian places and a fun hole in the wall that sell toh from Nigeria.

I recently moved to Philly and am wondering if there are any places to find decent West African dishes. I lived there years ago with the Peace Corps and would like to introduce my wife to Yassa Poulet ( Senegalese) or a good peanut sauce (Mafi Tiga from Guinea).

St. Stephens Green is good. I would also suggest London Grill (23rd and Fairmount), and Rembrandts. (23rd and Aspen). Both have decent selections of beer and well done mix of bar food and better meals.

My wife and I went to Hawthorne's for brunch today. We arrived as they were opening the doors at 10. Here are the things we discovered. The space is comfortable with lots of natural light and a gas fireplace on one wall. The food was good, our omelets were done well, nothing exceptional but the ingredients were fresh and the price $8 was fine. The homefries were excellent with peppers and onions added in and a great texture of the outside being crispy without being burnt. We added a side of sausage that was also full of flavor and cooked right where the skin popped when we bit into them. The only problem we had was the coffee. There are two different ways to order coffee at Hawthorne's either drip for $2.50 or French press for $3. We both ordered the drip coffee and were told that it was still brewing and would be a few minutes. Or we could order the French press instead. We chose to wait for the drip coffee. Well we waited..... once our food arrived at about 10:20, I asked the waitress about the coffee and she said that it was a big vat and it was still brewing but that she would bring it out as soon as it was ready. She then said we could order the French press, (at the $3 price). We chose not to change our order, then we finished eating our meals. At about 10:40 with no coffee in sight we paid our bill, sans coffee. We stayed a few minutes to look at their delightful beer selection and noticed the first cups of drip coffee being served at 10:45. On the whole, Hawthorne's was fine but we were both annoyed at the seemingly rookie brunch snafu of not having the coffee ready when the doors opened or at least shortly thereafter. Or at least offering us, at the time our meal arrived, the French press at the price of the drip. I think that we may try Hawthorne's again and hope this was just a fluke.

I would like to surprise my wife with a nice dinner out at a good BYOB. She is the usual planner of the two of us and I would like to take care of everything this time. Preferably center city but that is not a requirement. We have been to Couchon (twice) and to Marigold (about two years ago under its most recent past incarnation). We both like good food and we are not picky about the type. (Babe if you are reading this post please ignore or give me some really unsubtle hints :) )

My wife and I went here for brunch today and we were impressed. First of all the setting inside the cafe is wonderful. The Anthropology people did such a great job that even my design snob architect wife was impressed. The atmosphere is of a relaxed yet refined greenhouse which in early January felt like a wonderful breath of spring. Secondly the food was excellent. I had a sweet potato with pecans french toast and my wife had an egg scramble with good cheddar, chives, and roasted potatoes. The service was good, although there were only a few customers so I can not say how things would go when the place is packed and hectic. Prices were reasonable, with city prices. Brunch entrees were $10 and sides were $4-$5. For a cold winter weekend it was worth the drive out to Chad's Ford area for a meal with a summer/spring feel. We will be going back.

My wife and I are going to be out by West Chester tomorrow mid-morning and are thinking about going to Terrain at Styers cafe for brunch. Are there any comments (like might be too cold or forget the cold go anyway) or other good options in that area?

Within walking distance of downtown center. Breakfast I suggest either Sabrina's 1804 Callowhill, or Morning Glory 735 S 10th St. Both are excellent. I second the choice on DiNic;s roast pork, the best sandwich in Reading Terminal.

I haven't seen any of the specific beers you listed but I did find "Skol" over at the Total Wine in Cherry Hill NJ. They may have others as well. Skol was one of the few beers we PCV's could get our hands on in Guinea. You could also check for La Gazelle (Senegal), or Castle, (Mali). Although these all may be much worse than I remember and I do remember them as being pretty bad beers. But after 2 months at site a cool skol usually fit the bill..RPCV Guinea 97-00

Sorry, my error in clarification I was thinking entree's for around $20-25 not including drinks and tip. Even where I live in rural upstate NY there is not much a person can get for $20 with everything included. (unless of course the service is horrendous and everyone drinks water). My finance has found one place, a brewery down on the waterfront, does anyone know anything about it or anything comparable?

We are looking in Wilmington but that board is simply mid-Atlantic. I have posted there as well. I figured that due to close proximity that there may be some people from the SE PA area and various Philly foodies who may have ideas. My fiance lives in Philly but I am from upstate NY and am trying to narrow down some options by long distance.Our group will only be around 15 people and I am thinking probably $20 average price for entrees.

My fiance and I are getting married in Wilmington this summer and are looking for possible places for a rehearsal dinner. We are looking for someplace reasonably priced with some good food (for us) and also standard options for some of our family. Any suggestions?

My fiance and I are getting married in Wilmington this summer and are looking for possible places for a rehearsal dinner. We are looking for someplace reasonably priced with some good food (for us) and also standard options for some of our family. Any suggestions?

My fiance and I went there in Feb. and the food was excellent. At that time they were offering their stimulus tasting menu for Sundays and Mondays which included the option of a bottle of wine at half price. If this is still in effect then it is well worth the money. The service was excellent as well.

My fiance and I are looking at the Schultheis Carriage House as a potential ceremony and reception site. It is just north of East Greenville. Is anyone familiar with it? I did a quick stop in on my way through but I could only go when things were very busy.

Hi there, My girlfriend and I are going to be in Philly this weekend. She is much more familiar with the city than I am but I would like to find someplace fun, (small, byob, with interesting food) to take her. Any suggestions?

Maybe I say this because I live in the Finger Lakes region of NY and I am partial to our local wines but here are my suggestions. For fun labels I reccomend Bully Hill - the wine itself tend to the sweet side but is easily drinkable particularly for people who are just discovering wine. Otherwise I will stand by, or rather gladly drink, the reislings and gwertztrimieners(?) out of the Finger Lakes region.